Though the football team actually won the game, the real show-stealer was the halftime production. It showcased the technical precision, crisp sound and lively drum majorette of Clarence Acox’s marching band. Not to mention the smashing drum line feature – the only of its kind among Seattle high school marching bands. The stadium was mesmerized by the entire presentation. The percussion solos, suave uniforms and provocative dance moves from senior bandleader Danielle Adoreé Wilson were immediate crowd-pleasers.

“It was the best thing I’ve ever seen,” raved junior Emma Jubinksi.

So what’s at the root of the band’s dramatic turnaround from last year to now? It took a significant dose of senior spirit, renewed interest, a determined work ethic, and 35 eager freshmen to produce this year’s phenomenal marching act.

The senior musicians wanted to make their final year spectacular. They planned early for a knockout Homecoming extravaganza. Danielle was appointed drum majorette as a junior, and took a year to get a feel for her role. Finally comfortable as den mother of the clan, Danielle had ambitious hopes coming into her senior year. She collaborated with seniors Valerie Scrivner and Pam Burovac to design and choreograph the formations and dance numbers for Homecoming. They also couldn’t stand another season of purple sweat suits.

“We knew we had to go out with a bang,” Danielle said. “We had to get our old uniforms back.”

The seniors dry cleaned the musty old uniforms, substituted a few mismatch pieces (which were hardly noticeable from the stands) and outfitted a spiffy ensemble. It’s been ten years since the band has worn uniforms and the throwback attire fit this year’s theme of restoring tradition.

“I thought it was energetic and creative,” junior Thais Gray said of the character of this year’s band.

As many alumni know, Garfield’s band always used to look like it did at this year’s Homecoming. The concert and marching bands were combined and 95 kids marched. Their shows were outstanding: the group was large enough to spell GHS on the field.

Inspired by the legendary Garfield bands of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the 2003 edition lifted ideas from them. The prominence of the drum major and the intricate formations were improvements from last year. These were made possible by Danielle’s wisdom and experience and the combined marching and concert bands which increased the previous 40 participants to 56.

“We got a group of kids who were really interested in being retro,” Acox said.

According to Acox, a strong source of inspiration came from the college marching band movie “Drum Line.” Acox had been telling his students for years about the excitement of drum line competitions, but they passed them off as too “old school.” Once they saw how intense the battles and tricks are in the movie, many drummers were dying to give it a try.

Though this is his first year in marching band, the experienced junior drummer Eytan Nicholson has transformed the drum section. He immediately earned the revered role of section leader and guru to freshmen. Learning from Corey Overall, who was in marching band the last three years, Eytan strove to educate the newcomers in his section and get them excited about it. Eytan was interested in performing a drum feature, so he transcribed a few cadences from Drum Line and brought his idea to Acox, who was thrilled. They both hope other schools’ bands will develop an interest in competing with our drum line.

“Mark my words,” Acox said. “Franklin will be doing it next year.”

While the complicated piece from Drum Line was mastered easily by Eytan, many of the drummers were novices. Eytan trained his disciples not only during class time but also after school and during lunch, even practicing up to five hours a day.

“Once I had kids to mold, I reconstructed it [the piece] to fit them,” Eytan said. “I’m really, really proud of how hard they’ve all worked. It’s amazing that it worked out.”

Acox and the upperclassmen couldn’t be happier to have the commitment of the freshmen, who make up 35 of the 56 members. Never before have entire sections been filled exclusively with ninth graders. Some of the most animated performers, including the freshman cymbal player Nicholas Schirmer who wowed the fans with his “cymbal flips,” have only been playing their instruments a few weeks.

“They’ve made a really big contribution,” said Acox. “We’re really lucky to have them.”

While a club is by no means an exclusive mark of your identity, it can be a fun and ultimately fulfilling way to make use of your talents and learn new trades. You can also meet other people like yourself. If that sounds positively dreadful, stray from the flock and join one of the more obscure clubs.

The reward of grappling with a flailing specimen of nature, the satisfaction of solving global problems in a hypothetical world court, and the gratification of creating your own clothes… Garfield offers something for everyone.

Fly Fishing Club

If the serenity of hours on a boat, the thrill of a tug on the line, and the pride of donning ultra-fashionable waders and fly vests really gets you going, then fly fishing club is your calling. Not only does this club present the chance to take classes in casting, fly-tying, and entomology (bugs), but it offers trips around Washington state to apply your skills on the water.

“It lets students take advantage of the pristine wilderness that is unique to the Northwest area,” said senior Ian Kennelly.

The club was started last year by current seniors Will Atlas and Sky Dunphy in hopes of sharing their love of fly fishing with fellow Garfielders. While the club is not officially sanctioned by the school, it receives sponsorship from the Washington Fly Fishing Club, which provides equipment, instructors, retreat sites, and other connections in the Seattle fly fishing network.
“We catch really massive fish,” said Atlas. “And we have really cute girls, so it’s a great way to meet chicks.”
No experience is necessary, but a passion for smelly, slimy fish guts won’t hurt.

Sewing Club

While many may scoff at the seemingly uber-feminine and old-fashioned idea of sewing, it is really just a practical skill that everyone should master. Not only does it come in handy when a button pops, but you can apply your creativity to the craft and distinguish yourself from the masses.

One male student sketched and sewed both his tuxedo and his date’s dress for prom. Talk about a way into a girl’s heart…

The club is led by art teacher Bonnie Hungate-Hawk, who provides the sewing machines and the expertise. She is open to anything students are interested in designing, and teaches a variety of techniques.

“There’s no vehicle to help [students] learn how to do hemming and sewing on buttons,” said Hungate-Hawk. “I’m totally in favor of life skills.” Don’t pass off sewing as an activity of yesteryear. It can help you in a bind and do wonders for your wardrobe.

Model United Nations

“When people hear Model U.N. they think of nerdy ‘80s people sitting around in ugly blazers talking about the status of economic treaties in the world,” said Model U.N. co-president Mollie West. “But it’s really more fun than that.”

Posing as diplomats, members select countries and committees to represent. They spend the year preparing for a multi-school conference where they discuss world issues and solve imaginary “crises.” West encourages people to join the club because of the intriguing conferences, which are, of course, the point of the club.

Some schools offer a class on how to act as ambassadors, so these overzealous characters can be entertaining for the laid-back Garfield representatives. Many Garfield members roll their eyes at the matching suits and briefcases some delegates sport. But, they admit, it is fun to see a bunch of high schoolers playing dress-up at the University of Washington.

Since juniors Julia Marks and Mollie West joined M.U.N., they have turned the club around; membership has tripled from their first to second year and most members are enthusiastic about their experiences.

These are just a fraction of the eclectic mix of organizations at Garfield, but if you can’t find a club that strikes your fancy, form your own!

We actually have a school psychologist, named Mr. Look, who resides in the Main Office if you need someone to talk to.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a new program coordinated by Ms. Dowell to assist 9th and 10th graders prepare themselves for college. Students must have a 2.0–3.5 GPA and eager to accept extra help.

The counseling office has added a new position, called a Youth Advocate, who will work specifically with 10th graders at academic risk.

If trying to validate an absence there are seven excuses that wonʼt fly, including sleeping late, car breaking down, babysitting, and an outside job.

Speaking of which, the Washington State Truancy Law is RCW 28A.225.

The math club is designed for “those who enjoy mental exercise.”

The definitions of hazing includes: dunking, painting, powdering, creaming, boxing, and the classic, froshing.

Freshmen: Hazing is totally against the rules (so donʼt worry about it).

The school song is “Iʼm so Glad”:

Iʼm so glad I go to Garfield High!
Iʼm so glad I go to Garfield High!
Iʼm so glad I go to Garfield High!
Singing Glory, Hallelujah I go to Garfield High!

Currently, student government is divided into Associated Student Body and Associated Students of Garfield officers. ASB officers are class representatives, while ASG are seniors representing the entire school. Both organizations host president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, senator, and executive assistant positions. However, it must be noted that rarely are all positions filled for each classʼ government; the class of 2006 has in fact neglected to elect officers for all of its positions.

The behind-the-scenes work in the government is often picked up by officers in the supposed lower rankings, while those in so-called higher positions enjoy more time in the spotlight. In reality, a president is no more of a leader than a vice president, and a secretary/treasurer is no more knowledgeable in taking notes or accounting than a senator. The purpose of having multiple officers is to reflect varied opinions, backgrounds, and ideas. Under ASG titles, rank does carry greater importance. Only the president leads assemblies, meets with visitors, attends Building Leadership Team meetings, and talks one-on-one with the principal.

All officers take Student Government as their elective, in the Activity Center, under the guidance of Ms. Jackson-Williams, Activity/Athletic Director. The class time is used to address long-term responsibilities, which include fundraising and working towards greater student unity. Many of the beloved traditions and privileges are kept alive through heated, in-depth discussions with Ms. Derse and Ms. Jackson-Williams, which consume the majority of class time.

Due to minimal advertising of officer applications, campaign scheduling, and election dates, participation was light last year. The majority of candidates ran unopposed in the last election, and a few spots were even left unfilled. Speeches were not included in the ceremonies, which consisted of roughly two dozen passers-by wandering into the AC during tutorial to check off their closest friends on the ballots, which were placed in a picnic basket on the floor. With new interest, careful attention to the dates of applications and elections, student government could reach its potential. As far as the actual elections, the arrangements that precipitated last year are soon to be erased as tutorial has been moved to mid-morning school time. But what makes an officer qualified? Do you even care who represents your class?

Anyone who wishes to run may apply, provided that they maintain a 2.0 GPA and write a brief explanation explaining why the want to run and why they are qualified. Freshman elections take place during the fall and all other elections happen in late May. If you are truly interested in having a say in the way things are run at GHS, and have a genuine motivation to maintain tradition and make positive changes, by all means, run for office.